Grammar and Language Workbook

Lesson 31
Run-on Sentences
A 
run-on sentence
contains two or more complete sentences written as one. To correct a
run-on sentence, separate the main clauses with either an end mark, a semicolon, or a
comma and a coordinating conjunction.
Incorrect: There was a mistake on our bill, the server took care of it. (two main clauses
separated by just a comma)
Incorrect: There was a mistake on our bill the server took care of it. (two main clauses
with no punctuation between them)
Correct:
There was a mistake on our bill. The server took care of it.
Correct:
There was a mistake on our bill; the server took care of it.
Correct:
There was a mistake on our bill, but the server took care of it.
 Exercise 1
Write run-on next to each run-on sentence.
run-on
Robert is ready now, please take him to his soccer game.
1. The performance left the audience cold and several asked for a ticket refund.
2. The Pulitzer awards were established by the powerful publisher Joseph Pulitzer.
3. Garnet owned several first-edition books she bought one in a yard sale.
4. A severe financial panic and depression hit the United States in 1837.
5. Do you think rust protection for a new car is worth the added expense?
6. Communication involves sending and receiving information.
7. Wireless TV systems are competing with cable systems and I say it’s about time
that we have a choice.
8. Scientists from Japan, Italy, and the United States designed the particle
accelerator used at the Fermi National Accelerator Laboratory in Illinois.
9. I think we should do something about the overgrown playground on Third
Street it presents a danger to the community.
10. Look at this fossil I bought at the gift shop in the Museum of Natural History.